Chapter 6: Farewell and Promises

On the day we came home, I ran into Tanya and Caleb Foster.

Tanya was all glitter and gloss, radiant with joy. She peeked at Adam more than once, as if she expected me to look miserable. Instead, I smiled.

Adam and I paid our respects at my mother’s grave before heading to the family dinner. Before I’d even settled in, a messenger from the governor’s office called Adam away.

Mr. Franklin puffed up with pride. "Go on, son, don’t keep the governor waiting."

I started to rise, but Adam pressed my hand down. "You stay here and enjoy your family."

After Adam left, Mr. Franklin couldn’t stop bragging. "The Franklins have a man in government now! Who’s going to look down on us?"

Mrs. Franklin’s smile was tight. "Having an official son-in-law is great, but war’s dangerous… oh, I shouldn’t say that."

I caught Tanya’s smirk. It reminded me of her curse in my last life—Adam half-dead, me left to suffer.

That night, Adam returned, face grim. "I have to go to Flagstaff."

The border had been raided. Adam was ordered to lead 800 cavalry as the vanguard.

My heart raced. This was the battle that cost him his arm last time.

"Is Colonel Jenkins in command?" My voice was tight.

Adam’s gaze sharpened. "How do you know that?"

I spun a story. "I dreamed it. I saw Supervisor Drew embezzle rations, spark a mutiny, and frame Colonel Jenkins. You barely escaped, but lost your arm."

Adam’s eyes narrowed. He grabbed my chin. "Talking state secrets is dangerous, Natalie. You realize that?"

I lifted my chin. "You going to punish me, Major?"

He bent close, lips almost brushing mine, then kissed me. I blinked, stunned.

"Punishment’s over," he said, grinning. He pinched my cheek and let go. "Don’t worry. I’ll remember."

"You… believe me?"

"Natalie dreamed it because she cares about me. Why wouldn’t I believe?"

I couldn’t tell if he was teasing, so I pressed, "Just be careful. If I’m wrong, forget it ever happened. If I’m right, you’ll be ready."

He nodded, eyes serious. "I’ll remember."

That night, as I drifted to sleep, Adam’s weight suddenly pressed down on me. I tensed, startled.

"You, aren’t you…" I stammered, remembering Tanya’s taunts.

"Aren’t what?" He chuckled low. "Thought I couldn’t?"

"No, no."

"I just thought we barely know each other. Didn’t want to scare you." His eyes were dark, possessive. "You’re mine now. You can’t run."

He took my hand, guiding it beneath him. "Want to get used to me? So you’re not surprised when I come home."

I let him. My mind went blank.

Adam’s grip was strong—so why did Tanya say he was impotent? Did he never touch her?

Why not?

I was still wondering, even after he finished and cleaned my hands, his voice gentle. "Nothing else tonight. Don’t be scared."

As I drifted off, he whispered, "After I leave, stay away from the Foster couple. I don’t want you to get hurt."

"Why?"

"Caleb Foster isn’t as nice as he looks. Don’t be fooled."

"You know him?"

"Met him at the wedding. That counts, right?"

He saw right through Caleb. I was curious.

"You think my sister’s bad, too?"

"No brains. Bad people just drag you down."

At dinner, Tanya kept looking at Adam. I noticed. What about Caleb?

"What if you’d married Tanya?" I asked, half-joking.

"Wouldn’t happen."

He leaned in, whispering, "Don’t envy your sister’s fancy wedding. I’ll make it up to you—gold, silk, and noble status."

I thought of our two wedding parades, and couldn’t help but smile. So he cared after all.

He fell asleep, arm heavy across my waist, breath steady.

On the day he left, Adam’s dress blues shone, his face all steel and pride. He mounted his horse, waving one last time.

I hurried to his side, expecting a secret goodbye. Instead, he bent down and pinched my cheeks in front of everyone, grinning wide.

"Be good. Wait for me."

He rode off, bold and bright.

I pressed a hand to my heart, cheeks burning. Adam’s horse vanished into the horizon. I pressed a hand to my heart, not sure if I’d ever see him again.